KATRA: School of Architecture and Landscape design (SoALD), Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra in its endeavour to experiential and field-based learning, continue to host eminent personalities of the Architectural profession in the interest of students.

Prof. Jit Kumar Gupta, retired senior town planner of UT of Chandigarh and an eminent academician who continue to inspire generations of students across India and many international universities, visited SoALD for the seminar on Green buildings.

Pertinent to mention that he was also in the academic council of SMVDU in its initial years and has been a constant inspiration since the inception of SoALD in 2006. Seminar on ‘green buildings’ is the first event hosted by SoALD after its landmark leap in the NIRF rankings announced.

The event was formally commenced by the introductory address from Ar. Abhiney Gupta, Head of the school. Apart from introducing the speaker formally, he stressed upon the relevance of Architects in current times. He also elaborated the key reforms the school has inculcated to face current industry demands and in the profession of Architecture. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Pragati Kumar, Hon’ble Vice-chancellor SMVDU and chief Guest of the event, urged to sensitise the topic of green buildings across disciplines as it is the need of the hour.

He expressed his confidence on the exponential growth of SoALD, which is already visible in the consistent accolades of faculty & students, coupled with the career progression of its Alumni. Organizing more of such programs through eminent speakers was also stressed upon. Prof. Jit Kumar Gupta sensitised the students of all batches about the green buildings-their role, need and relevance in current world order, and specially vis-à-vis the sustainable development goals. The presentation was equipped with relevant real-world examples specially from Chandigarh, from where he hails from.

The highlight of the session was the concluding part dealing with the simple design methods that students can carry forward towards green building designs of different typologies and in different climatic contexts. Students of all batches attended the event with great purpose and saw a fruit interaction between speaker and students after the format presentation.

Ar. Navin Gupta, Associate head of SoALD and organising secretary of the event delivered a vote of thanks. All the attendees of the event including faculty and staff expressed their thankfulness to Prof. Jit Kumar Gupta, for accepting the invitation to deliver the seminar despite age and travel restrictions. SoALD is honoured for his continuous contributions in different aspects of teaching and learning in the last two decades.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇